Arway–Long Grove Confections was formed through the union of two trusted confectionery companies, combining decades of expertise, quality, and tradition. As a family-owned business with roots dating back to 1950, we take pride in crafting high-quality confections and delivering exceptional service to customers nationwide. Today, we continue to build on our shared legacy — with a passion for excellence and a focus on the future.
The R&D Scientist supports the development, testing, innovation, renovation, and optimization of confectionery products by developing formulas, conducting bench-top experiments, evaluating ingredient functionality, and assisting in scale-up trials. This role collaborates closely with sales, customers, operations, purchasing and quality teams to document formulations, run sensory evaluations, and ensure prototypes meet taste, texture, and stability targets. Responsibilities include maintaining accurate lab records, preparing samples of newly developed products, performing analytical tests, analyzing data to recommend next steps, troubleshooting formula or process issues, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance product quality, cost efficiency, and manufacturing performance.
- Develop, optimize, and scale formulations for chocolate confections, caramel, toffee, panned confections, roasted nut products, and other confections
- Produce samples of newly developed products for presentations to customers
- Conduct benchtop, pilot, and full-scale production trials to ensure product consistency, quality, and manufacturability
- Support the research and application of new manufacturing technologies to improve efficiency and product innovation
- Troubleshoot production issues such as fat/sugar bloom, crystallization defects, stickiness, uneven coatings, and off flavors
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Sales, Quality Assurance, Production Management, Marketing, and Supply Chain to ensure successful product launches
- Conduct shelf-life studies, analyzing sensory, physical, and chemical stability over time
- Maintain detailed technical documentation including formulations, SOPs, trial reports, and specifications
- Support continuous improvement initiatives to increase yield, reduce waste, improve sustainability, and enhance efficiency
- Train production teams on new products, processing techniques, quality attributes, and best practices for confectionery manufacturing
- Assist in sourcing new ingredients as necessary for new projects, product optimization, dual sourcing, vendor replacement, etc.
- Evaluate new ingredients, suppliers, and processing technologies
- Perform ERP system adjustment of Bills of Materials (BOMs) and assembly instructions (product narrations)
- Demonstrate effective communication and problem-solving skills
- Respond to inquiries for information, direction, and/or referrals from internal and external sources in a timely manner
- Identify potential opportunities for cost savings.
- Special projects and/or other duties as assigned
- Report all food safety issues and/or suspicious activity
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in food science, related field, or applicable work experience
- 3 – 5 years of experience in a food development role
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
- Proven ability to take products from concept through commercialization
- Familiarity with food safety and quality systems (HACCP, GMP, SQF, etc.)
- Familiarity with food safety regulations and industry compliance standards
- A passion for food, ingredients, and confectionery innovation
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Proven ability to collaborate with, motivate, and direct cross-functional teams to achieve commercialization objectives
- Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal
- Excellent strategic business acumen and problem-solving capabilities
- Proven ability to exercise discretion with confidential information
- Solutions-oriented with analytical thinking skills
ADDITIONAL DESIRED SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS
- Bilingual in Spanish and English a plus, but not mandatory
- Appreciates and exemplifies Arway-Long Grove Confections’ family values
- Is self-aware, empathetic, and willing to listen and learn
- Appreciates diversity and actively works to foster a culture of inclusiveness
- Possesses a common-sense approach to business issues—must be proactive and adaptable
- Goal-driven, confident self-starter with a willingness to continually embrace professional development and passion to excel
- Change agent with energy, passion, and enthusiasm
- Team player, willing to help where needed
